2003 Lincoln Aviator: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Lincoln Aviator: 1 recall, 111 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #02V313000 · 2002 · 25 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the transmission shift cable can become dislodged from the shift cable bracket.
Why it matters: This could result resulting in incorrect gear indication.
The fix: Dealers will add a strap to the shift cable adjuster to prevent the shift cable from becoming dislodged. Ford has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (55): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (39), noise or vibration (12).
- Engine & cooling (15): the most common themes are noise or vibration (7).
- Body & structure (15): the most common themes are door / lock issues (4).
- Speed control / throttle (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2003 Lincoln Aviator has 111 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 11 Aviator model years for complaints (2.5× the average Aviator year). Complaints peaked in 2011 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 64,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (81 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Lincoln Aviator have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Lincoln Aviator problems?
Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (55), engine & cooling (15), body & structure (15).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Lincoln Aviator get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Lincoln Aviator repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.